Veteran congressman seeks reelection
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Elton Gallegly

Longtime U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Thousand Oaks) said he's confident local voters will reelect him to represent California's 24th District in Washington, D.C. because he keeps his promises.

The conservative congressman has represented most of Ventura County and parts of Santa Barbara County for almost 20 years.

While his stands on major issues may not please everyone, he said it seems the majority approve, and he credits his prior success at the polls to his consistent voting record. Voters know what they'll get if they elect him again, he said.

Gallegly is an avid proponent of national security; he supports the war against terrorism and doesn't endorse amnesty for undocumented workers.

He defends the president's position on the war in Iraq. "Sometimes, when you are in office you have to make tough decisions," he said. "But there is no question that the nation is safer now that Saddam is gone. He killed a quarter-million of his own people, using weapons of mass destruction on his own people," Gallegly said. He said he'll continue to fight aggressively to protect the U.S. from terrorists.

Illegal immigration has a negative impact on national security, he said, and although laws were passed a long time ago to curb illegal immigration, the executive branch hasn't enforced those laws, according to Gallegly. He said the country needs to be protected from the influx of illegal immigrants; they aren't all Mexican nationals seeking a better life.

"Many come from other countries, using the border as a cover to do great harm," he said. "Illegal immigration will continue to be a front-burner issue with me."

But until government agencies eliminate the rewards, people will continue to come, Gallegly said. "You can't hire them but they are allowed to live in public housing and they have access to health care and in-state tuition fees to go to college."

Gallegly serves on four House committees. He was selected by House Speaker Dennis Hastert to serve on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He was also appointed to the International Relations Committee and to chair the newly configured Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats.

"When you consider how important intelligence is in this world today, tracking down terrorist enemies, this committee has great significance," Gallegly said.

"No one likes war or wants to see us at war, but it's a lot better dealing with that issue there than on our own soil," Gallegly said. "The fact that we're trying to promote democracy around the world makes the world a safer place," he said.

While he spends much time in Washington, the former mayor of Simi Valley said he hasn't forgotten whom he represents, and he has a personal stake in preserving the local quality of life.

He's lived in the region for 40 years and flies back home every week to spend time with his four grown children and seven grandchildren. One more is due in a month, he said..

Gallegly said economic growth and transportation issues are also among his priorities.